97.11

The Clocktower

Upcoming events from Campus Ministries

New faces and opportunities

Anew semester is upon us and with it, a whole new class schedule, more homework and the first winter weather class cancellation in years. And while a few things have shifted around in Campus Ministries (CM), many great events and opportunities are in the works.

Savannah Fortney, an International Rescue & Relief major who had been serving as student chaplain for the fall semester, left campus for a semester of travel. She was replaced by Milka Mendoza Sanchez, a nursing major who previously served as Family Worship coordinator for two semesters. The new vacancy was filled by Emma Bermeo, a graphic design major. Bermeo has been serving as V2 coordinator for the past few months and was replaced by Alexandra Seferlis, another IRR major.

While there’s been some changes in positions, you can still expect the awesome events that characterized last semester. The immensely popular “Good Neighbor Show” once again premieres in Woods Auditorium this week on Thursday, January 26, this time featuring guests from the Student Missions emphasis week as well as summer camp recruiters. You will not want to miss this engaging and hilarious event, even if only to hear the distinct jazz tunes of student-led band Soulfi.

The Good Neighbor Show ©Chris Jacobo

Later on in the week, CM will host Family Worship, our Friday night vespers event and close out the Sabbath with V2.

Events are not the only opportunity that CM is currently offering, however. They have recently announced that students who are willing to be part of their “This is My Story...” initiative will be able to share a short video testimony at CM events and on their growing YouTube channel. Those who share their story will receive four worship credits for their time and effort spent, in addition to blessing others with their stories of God’s work in their lives. Those interested are encouraged to contact David Kabanje, Milka Mendoza Sanchez or Payton Arnett to be added to the schedule.

To make sure you are up to date on all that CM has to offer, make sure to follow them on Instagram and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Updates are also regularly posted to uGroups. No matter which event or opportunity works best for you in drawing you closer to Jesus, CM is excited to help that happen.

Charles Metz is a sophomore theology major from Lincoln, Neb.

New nursing students join the program

Nursing students receive their white coats

The White Coat Ceremony is a ceremony dedicated to current students and transfers who are entering the nursing program and starting their journey to becoming future nurses. The White Coat Ceremony took place on Monday, Jan. 9. During the event, nursing students received their white coats and were welcomed into their respective cohort and the first level of the nursing program. This new cohort is composed of students who have finished their prerequisite classes and are ready to finally enter the program where they will be trained to be professional health care workers.

The nursing program consists of five levels. During the ceremony, upperclassmen nursing students, faculty and some parents witnessed the welcoming of the new students. The ceremony was followed with the new nursing students getting their picture taken together and later on with all of the upper level nursing students and the nursing faculty.

These students will undergo training and participate in clinicals soon to familiarize them with the professional health care world. Before the level one nursing students can go to clinicals, they will be required to learn the basic skills needed in order to provide basic care for a patient. A good majority of these skills will be acquired in classes such as Intro to Professional Nursing, Fundamentals, Health Assessment and Evidence Based Practice. These classes are taught by Professor Elysia Ockenga, who is the director of the program, Professor Renata

New Level 1 Nursing Students ©Union College

Richardson, Professor Trista Ybarra and Professor Nicole Badura. Most students will be sent to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital for clinicals where they will be able to receive an authentic hands-on experience. Those who are not going to Madonna will be sent to Ambassador Health.

Robert Tengker is sophomore nursing major from Orlando, Fla.

SA Super Bowl party

Watch the big game with your friends

drawings for some pretty awesome prizes such as jerseys, gift cards, and Union merch. Lastly but certainly not least, the SA team will be serving pizza, chips and other snacks for everyone to dine upon during the game.

Even if you aren’t a huge fan of football, this party will serve as a great opportunity to get some free food and enjoy the comradery of the Super Bowl. Come down and root for your favorite team, or just enjoy some of the best commercials of the year. The SA team hopes to see you all there!

Andrew Schwartz is a senior business administration major from Lincoln, Neb.

The beginning of the new year brings many wonderful things, including what is known as the most anticipated sporting event of the year, the Super Bowl. Each year, the Student Association team hosts a party for you and all of your friends to watch the big game without having to worry about getting food, a TV or access to the game.

This year, the Super Bowl party will be held in the Student Center on February 12. If you haven’t yet seen it, the Student Center went through some updates over break, getting new furniture and a new TV set. The new and improved Student Center will be open along with the game room.

In addition to being able to lounge on all of the new furniture the Student Center has to offer, there will also be a photo booth area for people to take pictures with their friends during the game. There will be

ON THE RADAR

THURS. 1/26/23

The Good Neighbor Show | Woods, 10:35 a.m. Preview Days | 12:00 p.m. FRI. 1/27/23

CNTRD Vespers | Woods, 7:30 p.m. SAT. 1/28/23

The Well | CVC, 9:45 a.m. Worship Service | CVC, 11:00 a.m. V2 | 6:00 p.m. SUN. 1/29/23

Women’s Basketball v. Doane | Thunderdome, 11:00 a.m. Men’s Basketball v. Doane | Thunderdome, 1:00 p.m. MON. 1/30/23

CPR Skills Session | IRR #223, 9:30 a.m.

Super Bowl LVII ©NFL

Monsters, Faith and Pop Culture

An interview with Dr. Seth Pierce

It is a new year and a new semester, and that means a plethora of fresh classes. There are many unique and standout classes to choose from, and a very popular option is Monsters, Faith and Pop Culture, taught by Dr. Seth Pierce. In fact, this class became such a popular option last year that a student limit had to be instituted due to the demand. I asked Dr. Pierce a few questions about the class to learn more about this unique “musttake” class:

Why is the material in this class essential?

“There are theological, historical and social reasons that make this material essential. Even the monsters in the Bible, as well as the monstrous parts of the Bible, must have some use. Historically, all religions have monsters. This has led to persecution and moral panic. Finally, monsters are present in popular culture. Popular culture is increasingly recognized in both religious and communication literature as an important vehicle for the spread of ideas. Being able to give students good media tools to discern truth from error is vital. We need to critically think about the media presented to us.”

Now that you have experienced teaching this class, what will be different this time around?

“I have a few new elements this semester. The first is a lecture on Lilith, Adam’s alleged first wife. This came up in an adult Sabbath School lesson at CVC several weeks ago and caused some confusion.

So, I decided to create a new lecture on the mysterious female figure. The second is a three-part presentation on Halloween, followed by a pastoral panel discussion on the holiday… I felt that maybe it would be good to walk people through what we know and don’t know about the celebration. I hope it will be informative and give people tools to make good informed choices instead of falling into inaccurate cliches and misinformation.”

You have since created a podcast since teaching this class. What are your thoughts on the podcast so far?

“It has been a challenge. I have been on podcasts before but never produced one, and it is a ton of work. I am working with Adventist Learning Community, and they have been very helpful walking me through the process. So far, I have been blessed with tremendous feedback from Adventist leaders, as well as those outside of Adventism. It’s called ‘Beast & Bible,’ and it resumes January 23rd.”

Dr. Seth Pierce

©Joseph Lee

Although the add/drop deadline has passed, Dr. Pierce has stated that he will continue to offer this class “as long as there is good interest”, so if interested, be on the lookout in the future!

Evan Majors is a sophomore English major from Lincoln, Neb.

sitting or lying down is the technological gift our ancestors could only dream of. Besides, running sucks. 3/10

Eat Healthier: I get it; it’s good for you. But you can take the donut out of my cold dead stomach (because I’m definitely eating that thing before the lights go out for good). I’m hungry, and sugar makes me happy. The sweetest banana bread is still not dessert. 5/10

New year, same you

Rating the New Year’s resolutions you already failed

Ah, the new year. It’s a time when everyone decides to turn their lives around and become the best possible version of themselves. Now that we’re a few weeks into the year, most have come to realize that we’ve already screwed up our resolutions. Now that we’re all back to being our same old selves, it’s time to make fun of our far-flung hopes and dreams of being better people by giving an honest rating to common New Year’s resolutions.

Read More: This is such a great idea, and I love it! I’d love to read Percy Jackson again. But alas, here I am reading about how to diagram a sentence. I want adventure! Not these boring textbooks. If only I had time to read for fun. 7/10

Exercise More: It’s a good concept, but I’m still not doing it. Looking good and fit is nice, but do you have any idea how fun it is to be lazy? Binging a TV show while

Learn Something New: Job done, literally right away. I learned that driving your tank down to 40 miles is scary and a really dumb thing to do in the dead of winter, and now I’ve shared that knowledge with you. Congrats everyone! We did it. We’ve accomplished a resolution. 10/10 People put a lot of pressure on the new year. It can be disheartening when you find yourself lagging behind seemingly everyone else. The good news is, we’re all in the same boat, and it really could not matter less. Eat a cookie, watch a good movie, and move on with your life. Make changes when you want to, not when the calendar says you should.

Lacey Stecker is a senior English and communication major from Noblesville, Ind.

Exercise Equipment ©Joseph Lee

Surviving a Nebraska winter

Suggestions for indoor entertainment that are sure to thrill

It’s cold. It’s bleak. It’s brown. We stay cooped up in our classrooms and dorms, while the world outside freezes. We see less of our friends, planning to rethaw our social lives with the spring. Welcome to winter in Lincoln, Neb. But what if I told you this does not need to be the case? Lincoln has numerous options for winter-friendly activities, as long as one knows where to look. That being said, here are a few spots to check out with your friends during these chilly months.

Coffee shops are a great place to thaw out with a warm drink while getting in some study time. The Mill is a Lincoln favorite. Because one of its three locations is right across 48th Street, it’s a very convenient place for Union students to hang. If you fancy more distance from campus, Meadowlark is another fantastic option. Named after the Nebraska state bird, this cozy spot displays art for sale by local artists and hosts open mic, chess and game nights. Crescent Moon Coffee is another vibey escape known for its showcase of local talent in areas like music, poetry and improv. Nestled in Lincoln’s Haymarket District, it serves delicious drinks and sweet treats.

If you are prone to seasonal restlessness and crave a dose of physical activity, try checking out one of Lincoln’s indoor recreational activities. Prehistoric Putt puts a Jurassic spin on the classic game of mini golf. Its dino-themed courses are completely indoors, but don’t let that fool you! They are far from your typical holes, including components like a batting cage,

ball pit and zipline! Need to blow off some steam? At Tomahawks Axe Throwing you can book an hour of throwing sharp objects at a wooden wall. What’s not to like?

And finally, for the more artistically inclined, there’s an option that is sure to get your creative juices flowing! I’m referring to Paint Yourself Silly, of course. This locally-owned pottery painting studio is the definition of relaxing. Walk in anytime during operating hours and choose from a variety of ceramics to paint that cost anywhere from $3 to $80. Leave your masterpiece to be fired and take home the finished product a week later.

These are just a few wonderful options that can help you make the most of the winter season. No matter how you choose to spend your time, reach out to those around you. If you are itching for some human interaction, odds are someone else is too! Quality time is often more about who it’s spent with rather than what is actually done. On that note, enjoy the rest of this winter season!

Frozen Lake

©Reef Peckham

Sidney Needles is a senior international relations and history major from Centralia, Mo.

Former Governor Ricketts takes seat in the Senate

Jim Pillen announces Ben Sasse’s successor

Sid Dinsdale, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce President Bryan Slone, and lawyer Ann Ashford. Nine of the candidates were interviewed by Pillen, all of whom were Republicans.

In his announcement, Pillen stated that he chose Ricketts due to their shared conservative values that, according to Pillen, accurately represent the state’s mindset. He praised Ricketts for a record of tax cuts and controlled spending and emphasized the importance of a “servant heart” and pushing for accountability and government downsizing.

Ricketts has announced his intention to run for the seat, which will be decided by a special election in 2024 and up for reelection in 2026. He spoke about his intention to support strong national defense, hold leaders accountable for waste and fraud, and reduce Chinese influence in geopolitics.

Newly-elected Governor Jim Pillen announced that former Governor Pete Ricketts will be assuming the position of State Senator on Thursday, January 12. Ricketts assumed the position on Monday, January 23.

The seat was occupied by Ben Sasse, who announced his retirement from the Senate to accept the role of the president of the University of Florida. The appointment was highly expected, due to Ricketts’ refusal to name Sasse’s successor, waiting for Pillen to take office.

111 individuals applied for the position including former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, Pinnacle Bank Chairman

Jim Pillen was elected in November. His campaign was supported by Ricketts who provided over $100,000 in direct contributions and contributed close to $1.3 million to Conservative Nebraska, a political action committee that ran attack ads against Pillen’s opponents. This has led Democrats to critique the appointment, with Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman stating, “Gov. Pillen appointed Pete Ricketts in order to pay him back for buying the governor’s seat. This is the most blatant pay-to-play scheme we’ve seen in our state, and it’s happening right in front of us all. Nebraskans deserve a Senator who will work for them, not someone who buys elections as a hobby.” Pillen responded to the criticism by stating that he respects Nebraskans too much to select an individual that he didn’t believe would win in an election.

Rickett’s appointment follows a Nebraska precedent of former governors continuing

Senator Pete Ricketts

©Wikipedia

their political careers in the U.S. Senate. The most recent was Republican Mike Johanns, who was governor from 1995 to 2005 and served as a senator from 2009 to 2015, and Democrat Ben Nelson, who served as governor from 1991 to 1999 and a senator from 2001 to 2013.

Aubrey Benton is a junior international relations major from Smithsburg, Md.

Top 5 parks and trails in Lincoln

(that aren’t Holmes Lake)

If you are one that enjoys the simple pleasures of Holmes Lake, then indulge in the beauty of its reflective waters and noisy gravel. But if you want an escape from the familiar faces, then journey off into the parks of Lincoln and explore. Get out there and take a break, you earned it!

1. Pioneers Park

Pioneers have a lot to offer. Not only are there dozens of different trails that start at Pioneers but also there are some that loop inside the park itself. These trails consist of both paved and unpaved trails for all your wildest adventures.You can skateboard, bike, run or just simply walk. This park not only contains journeys but also a playground, baseball field, nature center and reservable picnic areas for your next event.

2. Van Dorn Park

Van Dorn is not simply a street but also a park. This particular park is home to a reservable venue for birthday parties, weddings, and other gatherings. It also houses a large rope structure that may provide entertainment for those that like to climb and reach the skies. Van Dorn Park is also home to a classic set of swings and a rather large rope web swing. For those interested in a walk, there is a map of the trails that start from the park near the parking lot. These trails connect to many of the different surrounding parks which can create waypoints along your journey.

3. Antelope Park

This park is the second closest to Union College, as it is placed almost in the center of the city. This allows you to take longer walks and enjoy the different aspects of Lincoln on foot while still being able to come back to your car without much of a hassle. If you choose to stay, you may enjoy Antelope Park’s multiple playgrounds, the Veterans

Lincoln Parks ©Reef Peckham

Memorial Gardens, the Hamann Rose Garden and the Ager Golf course.

4. Tierra Briarhurst Park

The Tierra Briarhurst Park features a skate park, updated pavilions, multiple trail access points and a versatile disc golf course. No matter what age group you are, there is something here for you. All can be accomplished at this park without a reservation. All you have to do is take a simple six minute drive from Union College and enjoy the outside.

5. Wilderness Park

If you are looking for a more rural experience, head to Wilderness park on the outskirts of Lincoln.If you are looking for a swing or a jungle gym, this is not the place for you. This park is almost purely trails and trees. Nothing out and about, besides nature and fellow lovers of foliage.

Gabriel Sanders is a sophomore English major from Apopka, Fla.

Don’t burn your candle at both ends

Four ways to upgrade your life

Iam a hypocrite writing this article. Do as I say, not as I do.

I’ve worked hard to get where I am. During my freshman year, I took 17 credits while working the desk in Engel Hall. I joined the band in the second semester. Then I transferred to office jobs my sophomore year. I started writing for the Clocktower around that time. At one point I was in the bell choir. Now I’m the president of the Communication Club.

Let’s just say that my candle is fancy and has three wicks, and all have been soaked in alcohol and are aflame. Don’t worry about me, I have it under control.

Here are four ways that I survive this schedule and you can too:

Stay organized Google Calendar is my guilty pleasure. The first step to this obsession is just putting your classes on the calendar. Then you add your work schedule. One day you find yourself inviting people to hangout via a Google Calendar invite, and then there is no escape.

When you can see your full schedule, life is smoother. I can schedule appointments and meetings without struggling to remember what my days look like. Starting new semesters is a breeze when classes and work are neatly organized. Busy schedule

©Annelise Jacobs

Keep ahead of it

The snowball effect is real. Update your schedule regularly so you don’t miss appointments. Do your homework and turn it in on time. Even if your professor has no late policy, it is very difficult to catch up. Putting it off usually ends up in stress and one all-nighter at the end of the semester. If your professor doesn’t accept late work, missing assignments are a slipn-slide to the bottom.

Maintain your sleep

I recently acquired an old Fitbit model to track my heartrate and learned that I am not as good at sleeping as I thought I was. Science tells us that college-aged students should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Energy drinks and sugar can not replace the rest and restoration from sleep. But you already know all that.

Reserve time for yourself

Going back to the schedule, one thing to include is a break. Scheduling four classes back to back is one of the worst decisions I made in my college career. My best time in college was when I got up at 6 a.m. and had the morning to myself before class at 9 a.m. This doesn’t work for everyone, but scheduling some time to be “unbusy” is important for maintaining your stress levels.

Annelise Jacobs is a senior communication major from Peru, Maine.